What would Jesus do…in Pittsburgh?

He'd have his "superstar" world premiere, of course. On July 12, 1971, the first authorized production of the Tim Rice/Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" was staged in my fair city, Pittsburgh, PA. Quite appropriate, actually, considering it's the birthplace of the man who coined the term superstar: Andy Warhol! The musical starred Jeff Fenholt as a laid-back, hippiefied Jesus, Carl Anderson as a prescient, forewarning Judas, and Yvonne Elliman as a sexy Mary Magdalene. A crowd of 13,000 people turned out to see the play at the city's domed, space-age Civic Arena, the world's first major sports/entertainment venue to feature a retractable roof.

Continue Reading What would Jesus do…in Pittsburgh?

Consider Yourself an Artful Dodger, Mate

Three diminutive stars of the rock world began their musical careers as Artful Dodgers on the London stage. They include Phil Collins and Steve Marriott, both 5'5", and Davy Jones, 5'3". Interestingly, Davy and Phil share a birthday on December 30. Here's a look back at their careers as child stars.

Continue Reading Consider Yourself an Artful Dodger, Mate

Back to School with Alice Cooper

What a treat for a Scorpio girl born in the Season of the Witch! On August 12, 2011, I experienced Alice Cooper live in concert for the first time - just five months after his induction into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame. It’s no surprise that my childhood love of all things ghoulish - from Vincent Price and Peter Lorre to Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi - would lead to an inevitable attraction to Alice Cooper and his spooky stage show.

Continue Reading Back to School with Alice Cooper